Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscopy can be part of the investigation into the cause of a cough, breathlessness, or an abnormal chest X-ray.

A bronchoscope is a flexible tube containing optical fibres that make it possible to visualise the  bronchial tree (breathing tubes) and lungs and perform a biopsy.

Prior to the procedure, the patient is given a light sedative and an injection to dry up the bronchial secretions. Using a local anaesthetic, the bronchoscope is passed up through a nostril, down the back of the nose and throat, past the vocal chords, and into the lungs. Fluid is washed through a section of the lungs (lavage) to obtain samples to assist in diagnosing infections such as PCP and TB.

There is usually some drowsiness for three to four hours after the procedure and no food or drink is allowed for a time, as the throat and vocal cords have been numbed by local anaesthetic.

Lung infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), tuberculosis, or other bacteria can be more readily diagnosed and the correct treatment given. Kaposi's sarcoma in the lungs, which can also be a cause of cough or breathlessness, can also be seen with this procedure.